Von Willebrand disease is a condition that can cause extended or excessive bleeding. The condition is most often inherited but in rare cases may develop later in life.

The cause of von Willebrand disease is a deficiency in or impairment of a protein called von Willebrand factor, an important component in your blood-clotting process. In general, it takes longer for people with von Willebrand disease to form clots and stop bleeding when they're cut.

Treatment of von Willebrand disease focuses on stopping or preventing bleeding episodes, typically by using medications. With the right treatment, most people with von Willebrand disease can lead relatively normal, healthy lives.

In many people with von Willebrand disease (vWD), the signs are mild or they may be absent altogether. When signs occur, their intensity can vary from one person to another. Von Willebrand disease is often challenging to diagnose, especially in milder cases.

Abnormal bleeding is the most common sign of von Willebrand disease, although it may be present at only moderate levels.

Excessive bleeding from a cut or following a tooth extraction or other dental procedure

Blood in the stool or urine

Bleeding from shaving with a razor or other similarly minor injury

People with von Willebrand disease may also experience:

Easy bruising

Bruises with lumps that form underneath the skin

Some people may realize that they have a bleeding disorder only after a surgical procedure or serious trauma in which excessive bleeding occurs.

Signs and symptoms of von Willebrand disease in women

Heavy menstrual bleeding is often the main sign of von Willebrand disease in women. However, women with von Willebrand disease may go undiagnosed because they're not overly concerned about their prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding. And doctors may overlook heavy menstrual bleeding as a possible indicator of von Willebrand disease.

Signs and symptoms of an abnormally heavy period that may indicate von Willebrand disease include:

The need to change your menstrual pad or tampon more often than hourly

The need to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow

Symptoms of anemia, including tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you're experiencing extended or severe bleeding from any source.

If you're scheduled to have surgery (including dental procedures), make sure your doctor or dentist knows that you have von Willebrand disease, which can increase the likelihood of postsurgical bleeding. Also be sure to mention if anyone in your family has a history of excessive bleeding.

Consider wearing a medical ID bracelet noting that you have von Willebrand disease in case you are in an accident and are taken to an emergency room. Also carry a medical alert card in your wallet.

The usual cause of von Willebrand disease is an inherited defect in the gene that controls von Willebrand factor, a protein that plays a key role in your blood-clotting process. When von Willebrand factor is scarce — or not functioning properly because of structural abnormalities — small blood cells called platelets cannot stick together properly, nor can they attach themselves normally to the blood vessel walls when an injury has occurred. The result is interference with the clotting process, and uncontrolled bleeding may persist.

Von Willebrand factor carries an additional substance, called factor VIII, that helps stimulate clotting. Many people with von Willebrand disease also have low levels of factor VIII.

Rarely, von Willebrand disease can develop later in life in people who didn't inherit an abnormal gene from a parent. This is known as acquired von Willebrand disease. The exact cause of this type of von Willebrand disease isn't clear. It may be an autoimmune disease, or it may be linked to a slow thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or to certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication valproic acid (Depakene) or the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

A family history of von Willebrand disease is the leading risk factor. A parent can pass the abnormal gene for the disease to his or her child.

Most cases are "autosomal dominant inherited" disorders, which means you only need an abnormal gene from one parent to be affected. If you have the gene for von Willebrand disease, you have a 50 percent chance of transmitting this gene to your offspring.

The most severe form of the condition (type 3) is "autosomal recessive," which means both of your parents have to pass an abnormal gene to you.

Swelling and pain. If abnormal bleeding occurs in the joints or soft tissue, swelling and severe pain can result.

Death from bleeding. When abnormal bleeding can't be controlled, it can become life-threatening and needs emergency medical attention.

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor if you suspect you have a bleeding problem. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding disorders (hematologist).

If you're in the middle of a severe bleeding episode, your doctor may recommend immediate medical care.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, including what to expect from the doctor.

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. You may need to follow dietary restrictions or fast for eight to 10 hours if blood tests are scheduled.

Write down any bleeding signs or symptoms you've had, including how often, its severity and for how long. For example, your doctor will want to know if you had a history of nosebleeds or easy bruising since childhood or — for women — if your periods have been extended and heavy since you first started menstruating.

Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent changes — both positive and negative — in your life. Include a short description of your typical daily diet. Also mention any contact sports you've played and whether you ever developed excessive bruising after playing.

Make a list of your key medical information, including other medical problems for which you're being treated. Be sure to mention if any close relatives have a history of easy bleeding. Also write down the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox). If possible, bring all your medications with you in their original containers.

Take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

What treatment do you recommend, and how will you monitor whether or not it's working?

What are the possible side effects of the medications you're prescribing?

Does this condition increase my risk of any other medical problems?

What steps will I need to take to prevent problems from surgery or dental procedures?

Does this condition increase my risk of health problems during pregnancy and childbirth? Are treatment options available to reduce that risk?

Are my children or other close relatives at increased risk of this condition?

Do I need to avoid certain physical activities or types of exercise?

I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:

When did you first begin having episodes of prolonged or heavy bleeding?

How often do you have an episode of heavy or prolonged bleeding, and how long do these episodes typically last?

Do you bruise easily or have recurrent nosebleeds? Did these symptoms begin in childhood?

Have you ever had bleeding from a small wound that lasted more than 15 minutes or recurred during the week following the wound?

Have you ever had a nosebleed that lasted more than 10 minutes or needed medical attention?

For women, for how many days do your menstrual periods last? How often do you have to change your tampon or sanitary pad during a period? Do you ever notice blood clots in your menstrual flow?

Have you ever had blood in your stool that wasn't explained by a known medical problem, such as a stomach ulcer or colon polyp?

Have you ever needed medical attention for a bleeding problem during or after surgery, dental procedures, childbirth or injury?

Have you ever had anemia or needed a blood transfusion?

Have you been diagnosed or treated for other medical problems, including liver or kidney disease, a blood or bone marrow disorder, or an abnormal blood platelet count?

Do you take pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen? What about blood-thinning medications, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin?

Do you take an antidepressant, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva, others) or sertraline (Zoloft)?

Does anyone in your family have a history of bleeding problems?

What you can do in the meantime

While you wait for your appointment, avoid pain relievers that may increase your risk of bleeding episodes, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. If you need relief for routine aches and pains, try acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) instead.

Steer clear of contact sports associated with a high risk of bruising or injury, such as football and hockey. If you have any medical or dental procedures scheduled, tell your doctor or dentist about your history of heavy bleeding from minor injuries. If a scheduled procedure is not urgent, reschedule it until after you've been evaluated for a possible underlying bleeding disorder.

Because many people with von Willebrand disease have very mild signs, the condition can be difficult to diagnose. If you have any indication of a bleeding disorder, your doctor may refer you to a blood disorders specialist (hematologist). This doctor will perform specific blood tests to diagnose or rule out von Willebrand disease. These tests may be repeated to confirm that the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease is correct and to determine the disease type.

Classifications of the disease

There are three major types of von Willebrand disease:

Type 1. In this most common form of von Willebrand disease, levels of von Willebrand factor are low. In some people, levels of factor VIII also are low. Signs are usually mild.

Type 2. In this type, which has several subtypes, the von Willebrand factor that is present doesn't function properly. Symptoms tend to be more significant.

Type 3. In this rare type, von Willebrand factor is altogether absent and levels of factor VIII are low. Signs may be severe, such as bleeding into the joints and muscles.

Acquired von Willebrand disease. This type isn't inherited from your parents. It develops later in life, possibly due to an autoimmune disease, a thyroid condition or certain medications.

Diagnostic tests

In general, tests to diagnose von Willebrand disease include:

Medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will likely begin by asking detailed questions about your medical history since childhood, including specifics about past bleeding episodes. He or she will ask whether your parents or siblings have had bleeding problems. Your doctor will also check for bruises or other signs of recent bleeding.

Blood tests. Your doctor likely will recommend a combination of blood tests to diagnose von Willebrand disease. The results of these tests can fluctuate in the same person over time due to factors such as stress, excessive exercise, blood transfusions, recent surgery and pregnancy. You may need to have the same tests more than once.

Ristocetin cofactor activity. This analysis of your blood demonstrates how well the von Willebrand factor works in your clotting process. Ristocetin, which is an antibiotic, is used in this laboratory testing and when added to a sample of your blood causes a reaction in your blood that may indicate von Willebrand disease.

The results of some of these tests may not be available right away because the tests are conducted in a specialized laboratory. When these findings are analyzed together, your doctor can make a definite diagnosis.

If von Willebrand disease is present, your doctor may recommend that family members undergo the same or similar tests to determine if this condition runs in your family.

Even though von Willebrand disease is a lifelong condition with no cure, your doctor can treat it effectively. Treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder, as well as your response to previous therapy and other medications you may be taking. The most commonly used treatments for von Willebrand disease include:

Desmopressin (DDAVP). This medication is administered by injection into a vein or, more commonly, through a nasal spray called Stimate. It's a synthetic hormone, similar to the natural hormone vasopressin, that controls bleeding by stimulating your body to release more von Willebrand factor already stored in the lining of your blood vessels — thereby enhancing factor VIII levels. DDAVP is usually effective in people with type 1 and some subtypes of type 2 disease.

Many doctors consider DDAVP the first treatment to use in the management of von Willebrand disease. Some women use the nasal spray at the beginning of their menstrual periods to control excessive bleeding. You can also use it before a minor surgical procedure.

Replacement therapies. These consist of infusions of prepared doses of concentrated blood-clotting factors containing von Willebrand factor and factor VIII. They can be useful in all disease types, and your doctor may recommend them if DDAVP isn't effective or particularly if you need treatment for more-severe forms of the disease.

Contraceptives. These can be useful for controlling heavy bleeding during your menstrual periods. The estrogen hormones present in birth control pills can boost levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII activity. Another option your doctor may recommend is the placement in your uterus of a progesterone-containing contraceptive device, such as Mirena.

Anti-fibrinolytic or clot-stabilizing medications. These medications, such as aminocaproic acid (Amicar) and tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron; Lysteda, others), can slow down the breakdown of clotting factors. This can help keep a clot in place once it has formed, putting a stop to bleeding. Doctors often prescribe these drugs before or after a surgical procedure or tooth extraction.

Fibrin sealants. These substances, applied like a glue using syringes, are placed directly on a cut to curtail bleeding.

If your condition is mild, your doctor might recommend treatment only when you're undergoing surgery or dental extractions or when you've experienced trauma (in an automobile accident, for example).

To reduce your risk of complications from von Willebrand disease, take these steps:

Switch pain relievers. To help prevent bleeding episodes, don't take blood-thinning medications — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) — without the approval of your doctor. Your doctor may recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) instead for routine aches and pains and for fever.

Tell your doctors and dentist. Let your doctors and dentist know that you have von Willebrand disease before you have any type of surgical procedure or receive a new medication prescription.

Because von Willebrand disease is usually an inherited disorder, consider having genetic counseling if you have a family history of this condition and you're planning to have children. If you carry the defective gene for von Willebrand disease, you can pass it on to your offspring, even if you don't have symptoms.

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